Vestas takes lion's share in 700-MW Aussie wind project

Denmark’s Vestas Wind Systems A/S (CPH:VWS) has acquired a majority stake in a project that will become part of an up to 4-GW wind, solar and storage complex in New South Wales.

The wind turbine manufacturer has bought into the up to 700-MW Winterbourne wind farm project, which will be the first phase of the huge scheme’s wind component. The deal was announced on Monday by developer Walcha Energy, a joint venture between Australia’s Energy Estate and MirusWind.

Apart from joining the Winterbourne project, Vestas will also be its lead developer, while Walcha Energy will help it with land, community engagement and grid strategy. A small percentage of the project will be owned by community shareholders, according to the statement.

The wind farm, to be installed near the town of Walcha in the New England Tablelands, is planned to become operational in 2022. The next step in its implementation will be to make an environmental impact assessment that will support the development application in 2020.

The Walcha Energy Project will be the biggest single renewable energy project in Australia’s main grid and will combine wind, solar photovoltaic (PV), pumped hydropower and other storage technologies.

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